A tragedy unfolds in Indore, where contaminated water has led to devastating consequences, with the death toll reaching **10. But what if these deaths could have been prevented?** It's a question that hangs heavy in the air, especially considering the warning signs that were ignored.
Two years ago, Kamal Waghela, a BJP corporator from Ward 11, sounded the alarm. He knew something was amiss in Bhagirathpura, his ward, and he knew the solution: replace the aging, worn-out drinking water pipelines. He brought this to the attention of the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), but his pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears.
Following the July 2022 elections, Waghela took action, reaching out to the IMC. He was concerned about the potential for water contamination. He even went so far as to lodge a complaint on the CM Helpline, trying to get the attention of those in charge.
In a letter to Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Waghela detailed his efforts. He revealed that a file was created on November 12, 2024, in response to his demands for new pipelines. However, the file was delayed for seven months. A tender was finally floated on July 30, 2025, after Waghela approached Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava. Sadly, the tendering process wasn't completed within the allocated time.
Waghela highlighted that a significant 40% of the pipelines in his ward are old and in desperate need of replacement, with an estimated cost of Rs 2.3 crore.
But here's where it gets controversial... Waghela is now demanding action against the officials responsible for the delays. CM Mohan Yadav has already taken steps, removing the IMC commissioner and suspending the additional commissioner. The officials at the civic body have yet to respond to Waghela's allegations.
What do you think? Could these deaths have been avoided? Should the officials be held accountable? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
